A journey to make my family experience-rich

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We scored incredible flight tickets to Prague over Black Friday so spring break it was – literally the ticket was $120 + fees, so it came to $400 a person which I have not seen in the 17 years I am in the US. Of course, I was a bit suspicious as to how the airline will treat us for this price – but we had our seats (and not 7 miles apart!) so it was a winner.

Our first 2 days were in Prague where we became the tourists. Somehow I always need to see the quintessential Prague – the bridge, the clock, the castle. You know – the stuff I saw everyday for 20+ years but hardly ever lifted my head to really see it. For me it is soul-calming and really being home… even though I am attacked by hundreds of selfie sticks and phones/cameras and 10+ languages – Korean, Chinese the most lately.

Of course, the biggest success is always the public transport. How much I miss it – my gosh! The most convenient, cheap and informative way to see anything. We literally hopped on and off – metro, tram, bus, you name it we were on it. It beats the traffic and the price is unbeatable ($4 a day for adults and $2 for kids). Beat that American highways which totally collapsed the day we were doing this (see I85 in Atlanta). Of course, I can’t drive manual stick anymore so what option did we have? 🙂

We also ventured out on our accommodation just a bit – as with the 5 of us it is increasingly more difficult to stay in my parents’ 100 sq meter apartment with 1 bathroom and a dog. So we went full blown Airbnb and loved it. Scored a gorgeous penthouse in Prague 2, right on the metro with the view to die for.

We have become quite the Airbnb family fans. So much more space, comfort of kitchen and breakfast at home – and many of the hosts are also great in providing you with maps, recommendations and a bit of a local experience. Definitely a winner for a family of 5…. and here are a few pictures of the crew sightseeing at 24C – very unusual for Prague in April.

We learned that even non-alcoholic beer has alcohol, after I gave a whole one to Lucas to drink – who was horrified. Uber works just as well but taxis are still preferred. People are very confused when I speak fluent Czech and then turn to speak English to the rest of my crazy family. Starbucks is making its way everywhere and I am annoyed by it – especially at very historical places like Prague Castle. And that trains are THE way to travel around Europe….